I lost my 6 year old daughter to cancer 2 years ago and i have been having this debate with my mother in law over where she is at now. You see im catholic and I believe she is in Heaven while my mother in law who is a jehova witness says she is not in heaven but in a room somewhere waiting for judgement, she also tells me Jesus is not God but the son of God and he was put to death on a stake not crucified. I argue with her and tell her Jesus and God and the Holy Spirit are one and she say's that is not possible, she also tells me that if I do not convert i will go to hell. Can you please answer our debate's here and give me your opinion??
2006-10-26 07:28:26 · 23 answers · asked by TAVIO A 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Perhaps it is better not to debate if it makes you feel so uneasy. I feel certain your child is in Heaven with Jesus...and I think that the Bible backs that idea....Jehovah's Witness religion is considered to be a cult by some who are familiar with what cults are....some of their ideas are certainly not in agreement with mainstream Christiian and Catholic beliefs. Our beliefs are meant to comfort us in the storms of life...and you need to follow what you feel is right for yourself and let her find her own way. I really feel that anyone with compassion for your situation would not want you to be anxious over your daughter's fate...the Lord takes children who die immediately to be with Him in paridise.
2006-10-26 07:38:42 · answer #1 · answered by mynickname 3 · 3⤊ 3⤋
I am trully sorry for your loss and don't think that arguing will help the situation at all. I do think that you should read and study the scriptures. The reason why your mother in law is saying that Jesus is the son of God is because there are several scriptures that support that, for example;
Matthwe 3:16,17, "After being baptized Jesus immediately came up from the water; and, look! the heavens were opened up, and he saw descending like a dove God’s spirit coming upon him. Look! Also, there was a voice from the heavens that said: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved.”
Also, John 3:16, " For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life."
About the state that people are in after death Ecclesiastes 9:5 says, "For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all..."
The bibles mentions that they are in a state of sleep and they will be reawaken and examined, John 5:29 " and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment."
The most important thing that you should know is the promiss that God has maid to men kind, which appears in Revelations 21:3,4 which says; "With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
2006-10-26 09:47:34 · answer #2 · answered by Amy D 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all, you need to ask yourself, whether or not you believe that the Bible was inspired from God? If you do, then the answers to your questions are answered there. Whether you are Catholic, Baptist etc, you first and foremost have to have faith in God's word the Bible. If you don't then stop reading any further, but if you do get your Bible and look up the scriptures. If you remember the Lazarus account Jesus Christ spoke about the condition of the dead. He did so with regard to Lazarus, a man whom he knew well and who had died. Jesus told his disciples: “Lazarus our friend has gone to rest.” The disciples thought that Jesus meant that Lazarus was resting in sleep, recovering from an illness. They were wrong. Jesus explained: “Lazarus has died.” (John 11:11-14) Notice that Jesus compared death to rest and sleep. Lazarus was neither in heaven nor in a burning hell. He was not meeting angels or ancestors. Lazarus was not being reborn as another human. He was at rest in death, as though in a deep sleep without dreams. Other scriptures also compare death to sleep.
Now if Lazarus was in heaven, why would he want to come back to earth during a time when christians were persecuted? Again if he was in heaven he would have asked Jesus, "Why did you bring me back here knowing I'm going to die again?
Another example, when the disciple Stephen was stoned to death, the Bible says that he “fell asleep.” (Acts 7:60) Similarly, the apostle Paul wrote about some in his day who had “fallen asleep” in death.—1 Corinthians 15:6. I'm not sure what the Catholic Bible says, but you will find in the King James version, the words SLEEP.
According to the Bible the dead are conscious of nothing. When a person dies, he ceases to exist. Death is the opposite of life. The dead do not see or hear or think. Not even one part of us survives the death of the body. We do not possess an immortal soul or spirit.
In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon observed that the living know that they will die, he wrote: “As for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all.” He then enlarged on that basic truth by saying that the dead can neither love nor hate and that “there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in [the grave].” (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10) Similarly, Psalm 146:4 says that when a man dies, “his thoughts do perish.” The Bible also tells us that God Cannot Lie. So if you believe the Bible is Gods word, then I suggest you take it upon yourself to research for YOURSELF exactly what the bible says. Research the Trinity Doctrine. Research where it came from, and why. Then make your own conclusion and not that of what has been told to you.
I just want you to know one last thing and that is that the Bible teaches that God will bring about changes to this earth. Positive changes that will affect every human being.I like for you to read the following scriptures from your Bible, and they are:
1. Revelation 21:3,4 -Death will be not more!
2. Isaiah 33:24 -No one will ever be sick again
3. Isaiah 35:5,6- The lame and the deaf will be cured.
4. John 5:28,29
These are just a few of the wonderful things the Bible tells us all.
Then you need to ask yourself. God’s purpose is that the whole earth be made into a paradise. So the dead will not be raised to life in a world filled with war, crime, violence and sickness. They will have an opportunity to live forever. I asked that you learn for yourself what the Bible truly says, and not rely on other imperfect humans to tell you. According to the Bible, God gives each and everyone of a choice, and it is up to us to make the one that meets his standards. The Bible gives us the wonderful hope of a resurrection through Jesus Christ, and because of him you can have the opportunity of seeing your baby girl again.
2006-10-26 08:32:10 · answer #3 · answered by esirrah 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Your Daughter is with Jesus...At the age of 6 she is surely with our Lord....You rest and no this....Many many years ago Jesus was the son of God...When Jesus was crucified...He became one God the Father God the Son and God the holy spirit.....With God all things are possible......You tell her that...Please don't argue with her Pray and get some one else to help you pray for her...For she is lost and confused.....Do not argue with her about this ...Just pray For Her....You keep your faith and do not let someone like this change your way of thinking because you are right and she is wrong.. And if I were her I would be afraid about who is going to Hell.....Hell is a deep word And that is why Jesus Was crucified so that we all will be saved ....Just knowing that Jesus is the son of God And asking forgiveness...Of all your sins ...And living right...And trusting in Him all things you are saved ....Bless your heart Your baby is in heaven...And how dare her to say such a thing to a mother that has lost her child...There is going to be a lot of people that are not educated about our Lord that is in a lot of trouble.....Some just being told believes how she believe....She needs to do her self a big favor and teach her self ....And take a journey with our Lord one own one.....Then come back and tell me she fills the same way....Pray for Her dont argue with her about this any more....And you stay the way you are trusting in Our Lord and what he says God bless....
2006-10-26 08:04:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I know for a fact that your mother in law does not tell you that your going to hell as this is not the belief of Jehovahs witnesses. They believe that hell is mans common grave.
The bible tells us that only 144,000 people (the small flock) will ever go to heaven,and the large flock will reside on Paradise Earth. Read the book of Revelation.
Know where in the bible does the word trinity exist. The bible does teach that the three are separate.
Jesus is not God. He is his begotten son and before that he was in heaven with God along side him .
Jesus himself said NOT to worship him but his father(God).
I,m very sorry to hear about your loss of your daughter I know this must hurt.
http://watchtower.org
2006-10-26 07:59:35 · answer #5 · answered by ~♥ L ♥~ 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am so incredibly sorry for the loss of your daughter. And now, over top that loss, you have your MIL arguing with you over where your precious child's soul is. How awful.
I can assure you, your child is with God.
I am also equally sure your MIL has been mislead by a religion started by a false teacher and prophet. Please pray that she'll repent of her false beliefs before it's too late.
JWs do not believe in a "waiting room." They believe in "soul sleep" immediately after death, based on a misinterpretation of a tiny portion of scripture in Ecclesiastes. In other words, they believe the person ceases to exist completely at death, but are "remembered" by God and may be re-created following Jesus' return. I write "may" because they also believe that the souls of the unjust will be annihilated at that time.
Jesus IS God, AND He's the only begotton Son of God. Your MIL believes Jesus is the incarnate Archangel Michael, which is completely unsupported by Scripture.
JWs also believe Jesus died on a "torture stake." While significant information contradicts their belief, it's really not worth arguing over.
Also, JWs don't believe in Hell, so I'm not sure why she'd tell you this.
I suggest you just stop arguing with her; all it's going to accomplish is to further upset you. It's also caused you to question God's faithful promise: that your precious daughter is in His arms. Frankly, if it was my MIL (who does happen to be a JW!), I'd tell her I no longer wish to discuss the entire subject; if she persists, she wouldn't be welcome in my home.
Peace.
2006-10-26 07:51:58 · answer #6 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I too am sorry for you loss. As a Catholic do you believe the Bible? There is where the real answers can be found.
I don't know what room your mom- in -law is talking about. Are you sure that's what she said? Anyway here are a few scriptures to look up for yourself. I hope you find them comforting? Acts 24:15, Revelation 20:12, 13, Revelation 21:3,4.
2006-10-26 07:38:29 · answer #7 · answered by linniepooh 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in the hellfire doctrine. Hell is only the grave and all people go there, both good & bad---even Jesus was in hell for three days.(or in the grave for three days)
Your daughter has the hope of being resurrected back to life here on earth with other meek ones. The Bible promises us at psalms 37:9-11--"For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."
The resurrection hope is a wonderful thing that God promises for those who fall asleep in death__
"Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, and shall come forth--John 5:28,29
Jesus cannot be God --we know this because he says--
"I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me."
If Jesus is God, he would be able to do anything.
Your mother -in -law need not debate with you or be harsh. Death is our enemy and kindness is always welcome when it robs us of our loved ones.
I am very sorry for your loss.
2006-10-26 08:27:19 · answer #8 · answered by Micah 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all I am very sad for you about your daughter, it must have been a very awful thing to go through, something I'm sure you're still trying to get through. If I can be straight forward though I must say a few things in defense of Jehovah's witness teachings. I used to be a part of that faith and have never heard of the dead 'waiting in a room for judgement'. I also know for a fact that JW's don't believe in hellfire in the way Catholics teach it (which is a good thing). So either your elaborating on or misunderstanding what your mother in law actually said to you, or she is just conveying things to you in the wrong way. The bible teaches that there is hope for dead loved ones to be resurrected to life again, most to a happy life on earth and a few to a happy life in heaven. Catholics teach that all good people go to heaven and the bad go to hell. (there is also Purgatory and Limbo teachings, that are subjects too long to get in to in just this one answer) The bible doesn't support those teachings. JW's have the utmost respect for God's son Jesus, but as far as the Trinity teachings and whether Jesus died on a cross or a stake, there are some points to make, but that is also a subject for a future chat session. I'm just trying to stick to issues regarding your daughter. Despite your issues with Catholic teachings vss. JW's, the bible does present a beautiful hope for you and your family to one day see her again. 'Conversion' can be such a confrontational word and subject to listen to, especially during your recent tragedy. Probably premature timing for your mother in law to bring that up right now. But it is inescapable that god talks of the importance of conversion all over the bible. Nobody is coerced by god to worship him in a way they don't want to, and it is absolutely each persons personal choice. But God does want to be worshipped in the right way in order to reap the rewards he promises. Many people and even many religions present the bible and Gods words about the future as vague and that the truth about what happens in the future can't truely be figured out and that it is still a mystery and 'we'll just see what happens when it happens'. I strongly disagree with that thinking and know for a fact that we can know what are future holds, and that the bible is very specific and detailed about what to expect and what we need to be doing and how to prepare ourselves to be in the best position with what God wants from us. This may sound strong, but seeing your daughter again is at stake with making sure your worship of God is in the right way. The bible is full of examples of even SINCERE people worshipping God the wrong way and they had to convert to the correct way in order to have Gods favor. It takes much more than just being a good person. I don't know you but I do know about death of close family members and very much feel for your loss. My thoughts are with you :)
2006-10-26 08:30:18 · answer #9 · answered by xmariex 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all I want to tell you that I am so sad about this short time of separaton for you and your child. Your daughter is most definately with Jesus right now.
Your debate over religion is useless. God's word the Bible, tells us that our religion can't save us, our goodness can't save us, and our opinions can't save us.
Salvation is found only in Jesus. God sent His only begotten Son, to the earth for the purpose of becoming the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Belief in Him as Lord and Savior and repentance (turning from our sins) is what is required for salvation.
God, the Father is God. He is the creator He is the love that never goes away from us.
Jesus is God. That is why he was without sin. That is why only His Holy Blood can save us. God came to the earth in the form of a man so that He could suffer, die, and live again. He took our place for the punishment that we deserve. He was crucified. That was the cruelest form of punishment for that time in history.
The Holy Spirit is God. He is the part of God that is now on this earth to comfort us and to help us to do God's will.
We don't need any other book than the Word of God, the Bible.
The Bible is God's Word to us.
It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Above all you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20-21. (New International Version)
Breakdown of the Bible
36 human authors inspired entirely by God over 1600 years.
66 separate books
39 Old Testament
Genesis- The creation of the world, sin, flood and birth of Israel
Exodus to Esther- History of the nation of Israel
Job to Proverbs- the books of poetry and wisdom
Isaiah to Malachi- Prophecy or foretelling of the future events to come.
27 New Testament
Matthew to John - Four Gospels representing the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ now with all authority in Heaven and earth.
Acts- Birth of the Church (The Bride of Christ)
Romans to Jude - Letters to the Churches
Revelations - The ultimate future plans for: The Church, Heaven, Hell, a New Heaven and a New Earth.
Here are some Bible Study Resources for anything you may want to look up:
Biblegateway.com
Ntgateway.com
Bible.org
Bible-history.com
God bless you. I am praying for you and your mother-in-law.
2006-10-26 07:50:45 · answer #10 · answered by 4HIM- Christians love 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
No one person can give you an answer. You must read the bible and find out for yourself the answer to your question. Although I am not a Witness I hold on to many of their beliefs because I have studied religion including the Bible and have formed my own beliefs, I am a Christian. Although I do not believe she should have told you that you would go to hell if you do not convert. Witnesses do not believe in hell. Perhaps she meant you will die forever not to be resurrected. They believe that you will be judge on your merits and actions and then you will either die forever to be totally wiped out of existence or you will dwell forever upon the earth in the paradise it was originally meant to be. But take heart, because you will be judged on your beliefs and actions...if you try hard to be a good person...Jesus is there to act as your mediator and he will speak on your behalf. As far as your daughter..if you believe that she is in Heaven and that is what brings you comfort then take comfort in your beliefs. Just as your mother in law takes her own comfort from her beliefs....just as an athiest takes comfort in their own beliefs. It is not for us to judge...we do not have that right.
2006-10-26 07:45:47 · answer #11 · answered by Bethie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋